The Boston Red Sox announced that the club will begin a partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to make Fenway Park even more “green” through a series of initiatives to improve the environment.

Giving a second meaning to the color of its interior and well-known left field wall (the “Green Monster”), efforts to make Fenway more green will include a recycling program, improved removal of refuse, and the consideration of solar panels to reduce energy consumption.

These initiatives, and others, will take place over the next five years, culminating in 2012, when baseball celebrates the 100th anniversary of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”

With guidance from the NRDC, the Red Sox are partnering with KeySpan, now a part of National Grid; Waste Management; and ARAMARK to create these initiatives.

With the assistance of KeySpan, a solar panel installation project is being considered to conserve energy. Solar panels on the roof of Fenway Park’s fifth level could provide a pollution-free source of energy designed to heat various areas of the ballpark.

With the help of Waste Management, the Red Sox will also create a more robust recycling program. Staff will collect recyclable items from fans during the game, and Waste Management will install new receptacles for recyclable items.

The club’s current recycling program has gathered 10 tons of cardboard in 2007 to save 170 mature trees, 4,600 gallons of oil, 70,000 gallons of water, and 41,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Staff efforts include recycling papers and bottles in the offices as well.

The club started using new Waste Management recycling bins throughout the park to help all fans participate. By next year, a more comprehensive plan could recycle soda and water bottles and plastic cups.

ARAMARK, the concessionaire at Fenway Park, will be doing its part by making available more environmentally-friendly food products, including locally-grown organic produce, throughout the ballpark’s concession services.

The Red Sox will also be installing more energy efficient equipment and lighting and will continue to use safe chemicals for field and park maintenance.